Yes, I'm fine and Theo's fine. Back in March Covid-19 brought my state to a screeching halt. My office went on mandatory work from home and all non-essential businesses were closed. At first I had planned on keeping Theo in work through the lock down but as advisories changed I found myself in the high risk category. I have a cardiac condition. Fun!
I went into full lock down for six weeks. I left my house only for groceries or for my chiropractor to keep my SI pain in check. No barn, no visits with friends, nothing. It was very hard and the cabin fever was real. I redirected a lot of my attention into gardening.
I did not see Theo for six weeks. He did stay in work since Trainer D was working at the barn to keep the stalls clean and the horses fed. She worked him and let others working at the barn ride him. I handed all control of him over to her. It was a relief to be able to do that so I felt no guilt while staying at home and doing my part to flatten the curve.
The barn started to open back up but I found myself in no hurry to rush back. 2020 goals are not going to happen with all of the shows cancelled so what's the rush? I'd already been having trouble with my motivation before all of this happened. I left Trainer D in charge of him as her lesson program restarted. I rode my bike and took care of my roses.
I got an email saying the barn was for sale but I didn't think too much of it. Barns don't sell quickly and in this economy? Could be quite some time.
Whoops. Barn sold very quickly and I met the new owners tonight along with the rest of the boarders. No changes announced, Trainer D is still in charge of training, but the day to day care will have a new face starting Friday. Hm. Legs's owner was there and goaded me about not coming out to ride for almost three months.
Three months? How did that happen? It's like I entered some sort of worm hole when I went into lockdown. I blinked and suddenly it's summer. Theo is dappled, gorgeous, and happy. Everyone tells me how sweet and perfect he's been. He hasn't put a foot wrong in any lesson and has quite the fan club. Even an offer should I ever decide to part with him.
Of course he's still Theo. I also got a bill for the three water buckets he destroyed when he went through a phase of demolishing any bucket that dared to be less than half full. Also knocked over the barn owner and escaped before sunrise one morning. And broke another halter. Heathen.
I set the date. Friday, I return to the saddle. I have a big bruise on my butt due to a wipe out on my bike (clipless pedals are not for the klutzy) so I did not want to ride tonight while at the barn. Theo got hand grazed and cookies instead. I'll go back on Friday and see how much I've forgotten during lock down. I tried to keep up on my cardio with running and cycling so hopefully it won't be too pathetic. There's all new management, I can't be hands off mom while that's going on. Maybe once I feel confident in the new management I can give myself permission to slack again but for now? Time to be a helicopter mom again.
Please, Theo, be as nice to mommy as you are to those kids you cart around. I have more cookies than they do. And I pay for your food.
